Bridgeport councilman demands implementation of Clean Slate Act

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Bridgeport City Councilman Ernie Newton has renewed his call for state lawmakers to fully implement the Clean Slate Act, which aims to erase criminal convictions for low-level offenders. "It's unacceptable that this law hasn't been fully implemented," Newton said. "When someone goes to look for a job, they do a background check. Once they see they're a felon, you can't get a job. Once you apply for housing, they see you're a felon, you can't get anywhere to live. I'm asking the legislature to keep the promise they made by passing this bill and make it work." The Clean Slate Act, which was signed into law in 2021, has faced delays in its full implementation. State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff of Norwalk said lawmakers are "working hard" to speed up the implementation. "